Real estate test, practice questions & more: A study guide

If you are looking to enter the real estate industry as an agent, you’ll need help with the qualifying exam. Remember that effective preparation is crucial for passing the assessment. It will enable you to obtain your license promptly and embark on your new career. And, we are there to help. We’ve curated useful information about the exam, including real estate test practice questions, to help you ace it. 

Keep in mind that the content of the real estate exam varies by state. And, it covers state-specific laws and regulations, national real estate topics, and real estate math. 

Before we discuss some real estate test practice questions, let’s understand more about the course in this study guide. 

What are the educational requirements to be a real estate agent?

To become a real estate agent in your state, you must meet certain requirements. Here are the general steps applicable across states:

• You need a high school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent as a minimum educational level.
• The candidate must provide proof of U.S. citizenship and residency specific to the state.
• You need up-to-date government-issued identification such as a driver’s license, U.S. passport, or birth certificate.
• Most states require a background check and submission of fingerprints.
• Some states mandate proof of errors and omissions insurance.
• You need to complete state-approved pre-licensing courses.
• You must pass the real estate exam administered by your state.
• The candidate must pay the required real estate agent fees mandated by that state.

What is the real estate license exam?

Becoming a licensed real estate agent can be rewarding, but passing the real estate license exam is crucial. While the exam differs among states to reflect local laws on real estate transactions and mortgage lending, there are commonalities.

Before the exam, you must fulfill pre-licensure education requirements, typically ranging from 20 to 200 hours. Then, you can register for the exam in your state through testing companies such as Pearson-Vue, PSI, or AMP.

The exam has two sections: one covering pre-license class material, similar across states, and the other focusing on real estate state laws. It consists of 100 to 150 multiple-choice questions, with varying time limits. It usually lasts from 90 minutes to four hours.

What topics does the real estate exam cover?

The real estate exam covers a wide range of topics. Aspiring agents can expect questions related to real property characteristics, ownership types such as freehold estates, and various forms of property descriptions. 

You’ll also have to learn about monetary and non-monetary encumbrances, government regulations, liens, and agency relationships.

Moreover, topics such as brokerage, contract law, property title transfer, financing principles, property management, leasing, appraisals, investment analysis, environmental issues, and settlement procedures are also included. 

You’ll need to familiarize yourself with these subjects if you want success on the real estate exam and in your career as a real estate agent.

What is the cost of taking the real estate exam, and getting a license?

Obtaining your real estate license involves more expenses beyond the exam fee itself. While the exam typically costs around $100, you should budget an additional $200 to $500 for pre-licensing classes, license applications, background checks, and related expenses. 

For instance, in California, the total cost including the exam fee and application fee is $305, while in Florida, it totals $121, in New York $70, in Texas $260, and in Virginia $230. 

What type of real estate test practice questions can one expect?

Questions in real estate licensing exams cover a wide range of topics, including property types, agency relationships, legal concepts, and valuation principles. Here are some practice exam questions with their answers in bold. 

What is the primary purpose of a title search?

a) To determine the market value of a property

b) To verify the legal ownership of a property

c) To estimate property taxes

d) To negotiate lease agreements

Which of the following is an example of a fixed-rate mortgage?

a) Adjustable-rate mortgage

b) Balloon mortgage

c) Interest-only mortgage

d) 30-year fixed-rate mortgage

What is the purpose of a comparative market analysis (CMA) in real estate?

a) To determine the cost of repairs needed for a property

b) To establish the market value of a property by comparing it to similar properties in the area

c) To calculate property taxes based on recent sales data

d) To assess the environmental impact of a property

What is the primary responsibility of a real estate agent in a transaction?

a) Represent the best interests of the seller

b) Act as a mediator between the buyer and seller

c) Facilitate the transaction while representing the interests of their client

d) Provide financing for the buyer

Which of the following is an example of an encumbrance on a property?

a) Mortgage

b) Title insurance

c) Deed of trust

d) Homeowners association fee

Which of the following is a freehold estate example?

a) Leasehold

b) Fee simple absolute

c) Life estate

d) Easement

What does the term encumbrance refer to in real estate?

a) A type of insurance policy

b) A claim or liability on a property

c) A type of lease agreement

d) A deed transferring property ownership

Which agency relationship involves representing both the buyer and the seller in the same transaction?

a) Single agency

b) Dual agency

c) Listing agency

d) Buyer agency

What is the purpose of a deed?

a) To transfer property ownership from one party to another

b) To provide financing for a real estate purchase

c) To establish property boundaries

d) To enforce zoning regulations

What is the primary function of an appraisal in real estate?

a) To determine property taxes

b) To establish a property’s market value

c) To verify property ownership

d) To negotiate lease agreements

What is the minimum score required to pass the real estate exam?

You need to score between 60-75% or higher, depending on your state’s requirements. For instance, California requires a 70% passing score with 150 questions, while Florida mandates 75% for 100 questions. New York sets a 70% threshold for 75 questions, whereas Texas requires 62% for 125 questions, and Virginia expects an 82% passing score for 120 questions. You must verify the exact passing score requirements for your state to prepare accordingly. In most states, you can miss 15 to 30% of the questions and still pass the exam. But, why miss any and leave your passing to chance, right?

What are some good real estate license exam tips and tricks?

After having prepared yourself thoroughly, it’s time to focus on the licensing exam and its structure. Here are some tips to prepare effectively for the real estate license exam.

• Utilize online real estate exam practice questions and study resources to enhance your exam prep.
• Use numerous sample real estate test practice questions to get comfortable with the test format and types of questions. This can boost your confidence and test-taking skills.
• Focus on understanding fundamental real estate concepts such as property types, contracts, financing, and legal regulations. 
• Use memory aids such as mnemonics or visual cues to recall complex information such as real estate laws and terms.
• Divide study time into smaller sessions and take regular breaks to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
• Since the exam is timed, you need to simulate the testing experience to manage your time effectively. When you peruse through paid or free online real estate test practice questions, ensure you can complete all questions on time.
• While most study materials focus on uniform content, don’t overlook state-specific laws. Dedicate ample study time to understand state-specific material for a comprehensive real estate exam prep.
• Read the questions carefully and take the time to understand each question to avoid incorrect answers.
• Review practice test results to identify weak areas.
• Keep calm and positive on exam day. Manage stress with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing.
• Arrive early and follow all test center instructions carefully, bringing the necessary ID and materials.

FAQs

How difficult is the real estate exam?

Well, the exam is tough. It’s designed to filter out those not fully committed to becoming skilled real estate agents or realtors. Passing the real estate exam requires extensive test prep beyond just finishing pre-licensing courses. Fortunately, there are reliable resources available to aid aspiring candidates in passing the exam.

How many questions can I expect on the real estate exam?

The number of exam questions varies depending on the state where you take it. Typically, the exam consists of around 80-100 questions for the national portion of the real estate exam and 30-50 state-specific ones. However as mentioned, how many questions are on the real estate exam may vary from one state to another. 

How long is the real estate exam?

The duration of the real estate test ranges from about 1.5 hours to 4 hours, depending on the state you reside in.

What should I do on the real estate license exam day?

It’s crucial to communicate with the testing center beforehand to understand their specific requirements and policies. Each center has its own rules regarding what to bring, payment procedures, and acceptable identification. The most important advice is to ensure you get a good night’s sleep and eat a nutritious meal before arriving for the test. This will help you stay focused during the exam.

Written by Ramona Sinha. July 31, 2025

Ramona is the Senior Content Writer for Kukun. This experienced blogger uses simple and succinct words to decipher the complex phenomenon called life. She has written articles covering a broad range of topics, such as real estate, lending and mortgage, finance, business, taxation, home designs, home improvement projects, decor concepts, and more. An avid traveler, she’s a digital nomad at heart and an animal lover from the depth of her soul.